CVE-2019-16759
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitvBulletin 5.x through 5.5.4 allows remote command execution via the widgetConfig[code] parameter in an ajax/render/widget_php routestring request.
Published Sep 24, 2019 · Updated Nov 7, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-16759 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Vbulletin.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 9, 2019. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Vbulletin <=5.5.4, Vbulletin 5.5.4.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2019-16759 brief as a PDF
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Description
vBulletin 5.x through 5.5.4 allows remote command execution via the widgetConfig[code] parameter in an ajax/render/widget_php routestring request.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 9, 2019 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| VbulletinVbulletin | See advisory | 5.5.4 |
Patched Releases
Vbulletin
<=5.5.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 24, 2019
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 9, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Nov 7, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/09/24/vbulletin_vbug_zeroday/
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154623/vBulletin-5.x-0-Day-Pre-Auth-Remote-Command-Execution.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/154648/vBulletin-5.x-Pre-Auth-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155633/vBulletin-5.5.4-Remote-Command-Execution.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158829/vBulletin-5.x-Remote-Code-Execution.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
vBulletin 5.x through 5.5.4 allows remote command execution via the widgetConfig[code] parameter in an ajax/render/widget_php routestring request.
Affected: Vbulletin. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 9, 2019.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Vbulletin <=5.5.4, Vbulletin 5.5.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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